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8 Easy Ways to Create a Happy Workforce
Would you believe us if we told you that the happier your employees are, the more successful your business will be? Well, it’s a fact.
Creating a rewarding working environment is the foundation of any fruitful enterprise. It’s a no-brainer really; if employees feel like they are being respected and cared for, they will continue to work their hardest and do their best for the business.
How, then, do we create happy employees? Read on for 8 easy-to-follow tips on building a workforce that truly enjoys getting up for work in the morning.
- Celebrate good work
Most people would admit that they like to receive praise for their efforts, especially since feeling underappreciated at work is one of the leading reasons for why people quit their jobs.
As such, employers need to create a system whereby staff truly feel as though they are appreciated and that the work they are carrying out is contributing to company success.
This can be as simple as creating an ‘employee of the week’ system, or even a ‘great job’ concept within the workplace online portal, where employees can reward fellow colleagues for a job well done.
Even small, non-monetary achievements like this significantly increase employee happiness levels, encouraging them to work even harder for the business as a whole.
- Invest in employee growth
Learning is the key to individual development and any smart business will actively encourage their workforce to build upon their strengths day by day.
Set aside part of your company budget for training and additional qualifications, ensuring that your employees continue to progress, benefiting both them and the company. The better qualified they are, the more contented they will be in their job.
- Introduce meaningful perks
The main ingredient for making your staff happier does not necessarily rest in giving them a pay rise. Studies have shown that employees now value other perks over higher pay and these are typically those associated with a better quality of life.
Small benefits like a couple of extra holiday days, childcare provision and gym memberships are often more valuable to people than small bonuses.
That isn’t to say, however, that your staff won’t appreciate a monetary increase – who doesn’t like extra cash in their pocket? But, the key is balance – and in the modern world, your organisation should be offering different kinds of perks that can attract and retain many different types of employees.
- Build relationships
On average, we now spend more time with our colleagues than we do with our friends and family. Therefore, building and maintaining good working relationships with our co-workers is imperative to a happy work life.
As an employer, encouraging workplace friendships is essential in fostering an environment in which employees can collaborate effectively.
The best companies out there will host regular team building events, in which your staff can really get to know each other away from the office. Schedule a range of events over time to suit different employee interests, such as team BBQs, bowling nights, after-work drinks and yoga classes.
- Be community minded
Many larger organisations now partake in company-wide corporate social responsibility initiatives to give back to the community. Employee fundraising days, sponsored marathons and paid volunteering leave are all great ways to show staff that you are ethically and socially aware while improving their work-life balance.
- Introduce breakout areas
Thanks to Google, the rise of fun breakout areas in modern office spaces has now become the norm for many companies. Breakout areas are zones located away from the main office space where employees can go to relax, unwind and de-stress.
The best breakout areas will typically include comfortable seating, refreshments and maybe even some positive distractions like a ping pong table or magazines. You’d be astonished at how some of the most creative ideas can be formed over a competitive game of pool.
- Encourage wellness
A healthier workforce is a happier workforce. Given that office employees spend a significant amount of time sitting at their desks, it is important to prevent ‘job burnout’ by encouraging an active lifestyle.
Employee sickness costs businesses a substantial amount on average per year so incentivising staff to improve their health will benefit you too.
Offering discounted or complimentary gym memberships, providing free fruit throughout the day or embarking on employee wellness retreats from time to time are all fantastic ways to create a fit and cheerful workforce.
- Decorate for happiness
Studies have shown that the way our offices are decorated can dramatically affect both our mood and our productivity. If possible, choose bright, warm colours in your workspace rather than beige, monotone ones.
Moreover, ensure your employees are surrounded by objects and pictures that inspire creativity, efficiency and general happiness. Plants and flowers are also effective in reducing stress, relaxing us and giving staff something pretty to look at.
Remember, your staff are your best asset and this is why it is crucial to offer them a rewarding work environment in which they can really thrive.
This is a guest post by CarFinance Plus, who are specialists in bad credit car finance loans for a range of people.
Photo Credits: eOffice Global Network
